Jiaxiu Pavilion, perched on a boulder in the Nanming River in the south of Guiyang, was built in 1598.

Zhucheng Square, built on the bank of the Nanming River, is a landmark of Guiyang.

The picturesque view of Huaxi Wetland Park in Guiyang. Wu Weidi / Xinhua

The government of Guizhou is determined to make the city of Guiyang into a regional hub with greater international influence, said Zhao Kezhi, Party secretary and governor of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

As the capital city, Guiyang has a series of political, cultural and economic advantages over other cities in the province.

In recent years, the government has been seeking an economic model that will boost local development as well as that of other cities.

Zhao said the leaders of the province are pinning their hopes on this move.

"We should adhere to the approach of developing economy and society while being guided by the concept of an ecological civilization," he said.

Zhao said a twin focus on economy and ecology is not contradictory, but rather it is an indispensable part of an overall strategy for "harmonious development".

Zhao emphasized that Guiyang will unswervingly implement the province's industrial strategy to enhance its comprehensive economic strength and core competitiveness.

The Party chief also reaffirmed the continued support of provincial departments for Guiyang.

Zhao said the government will provide more supportive policies in aspects such as the construction of traffic and water conservation infrastructure, resource allocation and major city facilities.

Furthermore, it will boost financial support for green energy and manage growth in energy-intensive industries, he said.

As a transportation hub between the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, the province as a whole has its own advantages.

With several provincial highways under construction over the next few years, Guizhou will play a more strategic role in south China's traffic network.

In addition, the Eco-Forum Global, a high-profile forum held annually in Guiyang since 2009, has demonstrated a unique development pattern in the city that stresses the concept of ecological civilization.

The conference aims to promote the balance between modern industrialization and establishing ecological societies.

The ecological forum brings together government officials, enterprise leaders, experts and scholars to discuss the theory and experience of ecological civilization.

Since it was first held, the forum has grown into an internationally influential platform that has attracted extensive attention and praise from people all around the world.

In terms of investment and development growth, Guiyang has consistently ranked among the top cities in China in recent years.

"Guiyang will more firmly adhere to scientific development," said Li Jun, Guiyang Party secretary.

"We will continue to execute the provincial industrial projects and urbanization strategy under the concept of ecological civilization, as well boost agriculture sector, which will guide social and economic development and vigorously accelerate progress," Li said.

Contact the writers at yangjun@chinadaily.com.cn, sujiangyuan@chinadaily.com.cn and zhaokai@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/26/2012 page24)